Boateng was one of a number of centre-backs linked with a move to Old Trafford during the summer transfer window as United looked to bolster their defensive options without success.

Manager Jose Mourinho has made signing a new central defender the club’s number one priority when the window reopens in January.

German publication Bild reports that Boateng is still one of the players on United’s list of potential targets and that their chances of landing him have increased due to Bayern’s poor start to the season.

Bayern’s hierarchy are understood to be concerned by the power a number of players hold in the dressing room and are considering shipping out some established names over the next two transfer windows.

Thirty-year-old Boateng, who spent a season with Manchester City earlier in his career, could be one of the players to make way should United return with another bid in January.